War erupts over receptions

A war of words has erupted between Councillor John Hogan and Councillor Eddie Moran follpowing a meeting of North Tipperary County Council this week.

A war of words has erupted between Councillor John Hogan and Councillor Eddie Moran follpowing a meeting of North Tipperary County Council this week.

Councillor Moran issued a statement condemning the comments made by Cllr John Hogan, at Monday’s Council meeting which he claimed belittled the achievement of local groups. The Lowry Team Councillor requested a civic reception for local groups who have secured All-Ireland success and was disheartened by the comments made by Cllr. Hogan which he claimed undermined and diminished the achievements made.

“I had sought to give recognition to Our Lady’s Secondary School Templemore, Templemore Athletic Club and Borrisoleigh Scór. Our Lady’s Secondary School in Templemore secured all Ireland victory both with their Camogie team and with their hunter trial team, Templemore Athletic Club have won over 60 All-Ireland Medals and 3 national titles in the last 12 months, while Borrisoleigh Scór na nÓg secured All-Ireland victory in the Leiriu category. I was shocked and disappointed by the comments made by Councillor Hogan who belittled the achievements made by stating that we cannot honour every young person who chases after a ball.

“I am proud of the achievements made by these groups in my local area and feel that they deserve the honour and recognition of a Civic reception.”

However, these comments by Cllr Moran have infuriated Cllr Hogan who himself issued a counter statement .

“I have consistently complained over the past 15 years about our approach in North Tipperary Co Council to the hosting of Civic receptions. At our Council meeting on Monday I was angered once again by what I consider grand stand electioneering by Councillor Eddie Moran. My difficulty is not with the groups which were proposed for a civic reception - it is with the fact that there is no formal structure in the Council for deciding who should be awarded a civic reception.

“I also take exception to Councillor Moran piggy backing on the wonderful achievements of local groups with eight weeks to go to an election. How cynical is this ? I believe that Councillor Moran’s proposals smacks of cynical electioneering eight weeks away from an election. I also take great exception to Cllr Moran dragging my good name down in the dirt. I am fighting this election on my record serving the area for fifteen years. I have worked with many of the local groups mentioned by Cllr Moran. My record stands firm and I believe that the public will see this exercise for what it is, a desperate attempt by a desperate politician to jump on the backs of the wonderful achievements of local people eight weeks away from an election.

I would not be commenting on Cllr Moran only for he decided to attack me in public. I am now holding a mirror to his face and in my view its not a pretty picture.

“Finally, my comments were not ignored at the Council meeting. A proposal was put forward by Cllr Meany that the matter is referred to the corporate policy group who will recommend a structure for future proposals.

I seconded this proposal and it was unanimously agreed by all Councillors including Councillor Moran,”Cllr Hogan said.

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